Finite-Temperature Field Theory

Finite-Temperature Field Theory develops the basic formalism and theoretical techniques for studying relativistic quantum field theory at high temperature and density. It is assumed that the reader has some familiarity with thermal and statistical physics and with relativistic quantum field theory. Topics include: functional integral representation of the partition function; diagrammatic expansions; linear response theory; screening and collective oscillations; equations of state; phase transitions; restoration of spontaneously broken symmetries; the Goldstone theorem; and infrared problems. Specific physical theories treated include QED, QCD, the Weinberg–Salam model, and effective nuclear field theories. Applications to white dwarf stars, neutron stars, ultrarelativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions, and the early universe are discussed. Problems are given at the end of each chapter, and numerous references to the literature are included. The book is written for theorists in elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology.